NASCAR is officially back in the console gaming world, and fans now know when the green flag will drop. NASCAR 25 is set to release on October 14 for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, marking the first console game since 2021’s widely panned NASCAR 21: Ignition. Developed by iRacing, the most respected name in sim racing, this title promises to deliver a far more refined and authentic racing experience. A PC version on Steam will follow at a later date.
Key Highlights
NASCAR 25 launches October 14 for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5
First NASCAR console game since 2021’s NASCAR 21: Ignition
iRacing leads development using its accurate sim racing assets
Features include Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Menards series with full career mode
PC release via Steam to follow after console launch
iRacing Leads a New Era in Console Racing
After the failure of NASCAR 21: Ignition, NASCAR reevaluated its gaming path. The franchise had struggled with credibility after technical glitches and performance issues soured player trust. Enter iRacing—the studio behind the most-used sim platform in professional motorsports. Known for its laser-scanned tracks and physics-focused realism, iRacing is stepping into the console space for the first time with NASCAR 25.
While NASCAR 25 won’t be a carbon copy of the iRacing PC platform, it draws heavily from the same core elements. Circuits, cars, and other assets are lifted straight from iRacing’s database, with the physics engine adapted for console gameplay. This means accurate track surfaces, realistic vehicle behavior, and high-fidelity racing—all wrapped in a package optimized for controller input.
Game Modes, Features, and First Glimpses
NASCAR 25 won’t just offer the premier Cup Series. The Xfinity, Craftsman Truck, and ARCA Menards series are also included, giving players a full-tier career journey. The new career mode allows fans to manage much more than just race performance. Driver and car customization will be matched with team contracts, financial decisions, facility upgrades, and staff management—giving a franchise mode feel that fans have long requested.
NASCAR 25 Launch Day Announcement
The virtual engines fire on October 14th, 2025! pic.twitter.com/Cn7zWfGXjn
— NASCAR 25 Game (@Nascar25Game) July 24, 2025
The initial teaser is just 12 seconds long, but it was enough to spark excitement. William Byron’s No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet and the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway made brief appearances—signaling the level of detail players can expect. Full gameplay footage hasn’t dropped yet, but a late August reveal, possibly during Gamescom, is anticipated. Screenshots are expected sooner.
That includes laser-scanned tracks and vehicles, tuned physics by the same team behind iRacing’s real-world sim environment, and a focus on striking a balance between accessibility and realism.
Fan Expectations and Technical Outlook
One major area of focus is how the game will feel when played with a controller. Although NASCAR 25 will fully support wheel and pedal setups, especially on console, most players will be using standard gamepads. iRacing’s challenge is to preserve simulation realism without making the controls frustrating. That balance could determine how well the title performs commercially.
This marks a crucial shift from the pure sim experience of iRacing on PC. On console, the physics need to feel alive but manageable—bringing authenticity without overcomplication.
And unlike past NASCAR games that launched before the season, this one will arrive just before its end. The final Cup race of the year is set for November 2, giving fans a couple of weeks to experience the game in real time before the champion is crowned.
News in Brief: iRacing’s NASCAR 25 Marks Console Comeback
NASCAR 25, the first console title since 2021’s NASCAR 21: Ignition, will launch October 14 for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. Developed by iRacing, the game includes the Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA series, with a revamped career mode and accurate sim assets drawn from iRacing’s PC platform. Controller play is the primary focus, but wheels are fully supported. The teaser features William Byron’s No. 24 and Bristol Motor Speedway, with gameplay footage expected in late August. Get ready to race with realism—NASCAR 25 hits the track this October.
ALSO READ: What Are the Latest Updates on NASCAR Season Challenge Standings and Races
